Am drawn to one at Huntingdon this afternoon, troops: Checkpoint (3.40) - this is a nicely bred type who is a half-brother to the Pattern race performer, Jet Away. Was formerly with Sir Henry for whom he ran 3 races. 2 were very disappointing but the middle effort saw Checkpoint beaten just a head by Sir Michael's Gospel Choir (dual winner afterwards and subsequently rated 98). This was an extremely, I say extremely, good run which indicated that Checkpoint clearly had a great deal of potential as he and Gospel Choir pulled 5 lengths clear of the 3rd. Sold in October 2012 to Ryan's Daddy, Gary Moore, his only run for this yard was at dear old Bath, last month, when despite strong market support he disappointed again in a maiden heat. This may merely have been a 'pipe opener' though as the old boy was obviously bought primarily to go hurdling. This he does today as Checkpoint makes his NH bow in a heat the stable actually won back in 2010. I think he has the potential to go close this afternoon and think the 18/1 offered by those bookie chappies most appealing re an each-way tickle. Good luck all.
The inspirationally-named tipster "Downsman" from the Sussex Express has napped Checkpoint Sir Barney - perhaps he has been out on the old gallops watching him work?
That’s promising, Oddy. Let’s hope he’s been taking the old boy’s breath away with some scintillating home work. Re Checkpoint's trainers son I hear he has committed the treasonous calamity of upsetting The Queen’s racing manager. Old boy Ryan’s responses post race are becoming collectors items and when asked by John Warren if Estimate would stay in the Gold Cup he replied brusquely, ‘There’s only one way to find out!’ Totally brilliant and Straight To The Point with 2 capital ‘T’s’ and 1 capital ‘S’ and one ‘P’.
Well Oddy i had a BLT with a bit of grated strong cheddar cheese added, on a toasted barm, with a pint of orange squash... Though im having lamb cutlets for my tea with new potatoes, smothered in butter, with a bit of veg on the side. Cant wait...
No top table shenanigans for me today. ‘The Weekender’ and a quiet corner instead where I scoffed a cheese and tomato baguette, some hula hoops and an apple washed down with a bucket of water. I see that a week today Hologram is to be sold at Cheltenham’s big NH sale. Interesting to see what he will go for after last week nicely winning his bumper and being a son of an Oaks winner. Has Potential with several capital ‘P’s’. I’ll predict he’ll make 6 figures and many of the big names in the game will want him. Let's hope for his sake Mr Henderson ends up the winner.
I take it all ze Germans will come back from good ole Blighty this weekend complaining about our sausages, and how they dont rate up against the Bratwurst's etc... My local is having a German themed night on the Champ Lge final with the said sausages coming to you in a hotdog bun, smothered in a sauce of your liking - tommyk or mustard, with a german beers, Becks, Warsteiner or Holsten Pils at £3 for the half time snacks... As im off from working this weekend i cant bloody wait for that either... German sausage and German beer, what more could a man want this weekend...
Sporting Life are describing Telescope's gallop at Lingers Park as 'disappointing'. Bookie chappies seemingly agreeing as he's pushed out to as big as 9's for Epsom glory.
Just having a look at the card for Huntingdon and i might have a play on a couple of em... 3.10 - Another Trump, 3/1... 4.10 - Elegant Olive, 8/1... 4.40 - Boogie Dancer, 3/1... Doubles and Singles...
I opted for the Louis XIII pizza the toppings included 3 types of caviar, spiny lobster, Louis XIII Remy Martin Cognac together with Krug Clos Du Mesnil champagne. Each grain of the pink Australian salt is hand picked from the Murray River according to ma boy and pizza maker Renato Viola. Chatting to him further he seems to be bullish about the chances of Vital Edition in the 14:20 Southwell as he was dining Mr O'Meara and his better half in his Florence eaterie and as a tip David gave the nod for this one as a strong ew proposition.
A bit of leftovers for me, my bolognese pasta dish with some salad and cherry ripe tomatoes. Splendid. Whilst eating this I caught the Epsom Derby advert. Think the producers have been on drugs.... Not good.
Re Channel 4's coverage I see a poll on the Racing Post website says that 78% of respondents prefer the 'old' Channel 4 coverage to the post 1 January 2013 variety. I'm with the 78% on this one...
